ADAPTABLE DEFINITION:showing flexibility and versatility regardless of the situation CATEGORIES:achievement, interactive SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:flexible, resilient, versatile POSSIBLE CAUSES: Having a strong inner drive Growing up in a dangerous or unpredictable environment Being a caregiver to someone who has a chronic illness Thriving on challenges Moving from place to place frequently in childhood Having a calm, unflappable nature Carrying little or no emotional baggage Having a positive attitude Having strong self-esteem ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Thinking quickly Holding down more than one job Being comfortable with responsibility Enjoying travel and exposure to new cultures Being highly organized Being a team player Sociability with others Confidence Being competitive with oneself Open-mindedness Exhibiting strong decision-making skills Persuasiveness, either through good people skills or manipulation Planning ahead; keeping alternatives in mind Being prepared for anything Not shying away from challenges Being knowledgeable in many areas Pursuing education or training to make oneself more prepared Following orders efficiently Preferring a variety of experiences over routine Spontaneity and agreeability Being willing to improvise Recovering from disappointments or setbacks quickly Having strong multitasking skills Vocally expressing one’s ideas Being a good listener Having a strong sense of empathy Being thoughtful and considerate Having broad interests and hobbies Maintaining firm control of one’s emotions Taking advantage of opportunities Learning from one’s past mistakes ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: I’d like to go out but if Margaret wants to eat in, we can do that, too. I’ll take over Rick’s report. The team is waiting on it and he could be out sick for days. Since no one else is stepping up, I will. I’m glad Marcy’s planning our vacation. Wherever we end up going will be great. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:confidence, curiosity, eagerness, happiness, peacefulness, pride POSITIVE ASPECTS:Adaptable characters are reliable and responsible and can thrive in almost any situation. They enjoy challenges and new experiences and are at ease with change. Even during stressful situations, they can keep volatile emotions at bay. Adaptable characters are able to work with others or lead, whichever is needed to achieve the goal. They are quick thinkers who are able to keep their heads when others lose theirs. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Characters with this attribute can grow restless if they feel they are not stimulated enough. They don’t always place as much importance on family and friendships as other people do; relationships may suffer if these characters are paired with people who require stability and routine. EXAMPLE FROM LITERATURE:Jason Bourne fromThe Bourne Identityis a trained operative who has lost his memory. Seen as a threat by his government, he is hunted by other assassins and must remain versatile in order to survive. Resourceful and persistent, he fights when necessary, obtains money and documentation, and adapts to each new environment so he can react as needed and remain safe.Other Examples from Film:Simon Templar (The Saint), Hawkeye (The Last of the Mohicans) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:compulsive, decisive, impatient, introverted, judgmental, meticulous, pensive CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE ADAPTABLE CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Ambiguity (a situation, set of instructions, etc.) that one cannot prepare for PLOTLINE: Being asked to do something that will likely result in injury, suffering, or worse PLOTLINE: Experiencing conflicts between one’s moral beliefs and the need to carry out an order PLOTLINE: Being required to always respond to situations the same way, with no variation